Borax Bead Tests

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Borax Bead Tests

Table of Reactions Obtained with Borax

This table of flux fusion reactions with borax is based largely on the book
"Determinative Mineralogy and Blowpipe Analysis" by Brush & Penfield, 1906. The
reactions are observed by fusing a crushed (and roasted in the case of sulfides)
sample of the mineral in a borax bead embedded on a loop of platinum wire. The
color is observed in the bead after heating the sample with the oxidizing flame
and then the reducing flame of the torch (blowpipe).